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Holy Monastery of Varlaam

Meteora, Greece

Journey to central Greece for a look at extraordinary devotion. In 1350, a monk named Varlaam climbed this steep sandstone rock and settled at the top; nearly 200 years later 2 monks picked up where he left off and founded the Holy Monastery of Varlaam. It’s one of 6 similarly constructed monasteries you’ll find today in an area known as Meteora -- literally, “suspended in air. ” Ascend Varlaam Monastery courtesy of a narrow bridge, then explore away: from 16th-century frescoes in the main church to a tranquil garden where a monk often sits -- and might just engage you in conversation.